The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-04-29
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Interesting Memorial Exercises in tho Em-
pire State Capitol tn the Late Ex-Presi-
dent-Eioquent Tributes by Benjamin F.
Brewster and Chauncy NJ. Depew.
ALBANY. N. Y, April 21.-The exerci seS
in memory OF the late President Arthur.
which were held in the Assembly cham
distinguished audience, including most OF
the Senators and Assemblymen and MANY
Of their wives; tho relatives Of
Mr.. Arthur, including C. A. Arthur, Jr,
Miss Ellen Arthu r, James 8. Masten and.
Arthur H. Masten, Of Cohoes; Mr. and
Mrs. J. E. MtElroy. Miss Mamie McElroy
and Mr.. W. II. McElroy. Among others
present were Surrogate Rollins Of New
York and ex-United States Marshal Nc.
Michael, Of Washington. The chamber was,
simply draped with the National colors..
A large portrait was placed behind the
Speakers desk.
The meeting was called to order by
Senator Smith, who introduced Governor
Hill rs chairman. The Governor, who was
warmly applauded, responded N few
words appropriate to the occasion. Ad-,
dresses were then delivered by ex-UnlteGi
States Acknowledgement Brewster. who,
eloquently outlined the ex-President's-
exalted career, and by Hon. Chauncey NJ
Depew, who paid high tribute to the
character and achievements Of the de.
ceased. In the course Of his address Mr.
Depew said:
"When the end came for General Gar
field, Arthur entered this White House as
he had taken the oath Of officc-alone a
weaker man would have succumted,
narrower one would have seized upon
the patronage and endeavored to build
up his power by Strengthening his
faction. But the lineage and training Of
Arthur stood in this solemn and critical
hour for patriotism and manliaess.
Friends, co-worKers with him in the OLD
lines, and associates under the old condi-
lions, looking for opportunities, for recog-
milton or for revenge. retired chastened
and enlightened from the President of the
United States. President Arthur will be
both for what he did and
what he refrainei from doing The strain
and intensity Of public feeling. the
OF the angry and vindictive
passions Of the time, demanded the
rarest Of negative as well as positive
qualities. His calm and even course Of
government allayed all excitement and
appealed to the better Judgment OF tho
people. But though rot aggressive or
brilliant. his administration was sensible
and strong. and admirably adjusted to tho
conditions which created and attended it.
He spoke vigorously for the
reform and Improvement Of the civil
service, and when Congress, acting upon,
his suggestions, enacted tn, law, he
the machinery for it's ex-
ecutlon which has since accomplished
most satisfactory, though as vet incom-
plete results. On questions of currency
and finance he met the needs OF
the public and privats credit, and
the best commercial sentiment Of tn,
country. He knew the necessity for
efficient coast defenses and navy equal
to the requirements of the age. He keen.
~ felt the weakness Of our merchant
marine and the total destruction of the
proud position we had formerly held
among the maritime nations Of the world,
and did what he could to move Congress
to wise and patriotic legislation.
There has rarely been, in the history OF
popular governments. so great a contrast
in tho public appreciation Of General
Arthur at the time of his inauguration
and when he retired from office. The
President Of whom little was expected
and much feared returned to private life,
enjoying IN q larger degree than most Of
his predecessors the profound respect and
wsrm regard Of the people without dis
tinrtion Of party.
He said to me early in his administra--
ton: my sole ambition is TO entov the
Of nv countrymen." Toward
this noble ideal ne strove with undeviat-
ng purpose. Even in the mistakes he
made could be seen his manly struggle
o be right. Once again in private
and resuming the practice of his
he moved among his fellow
citizens. receiving the homage and
which came Of their pride in
he way he had borne the honors and ad-
ministered the duties Of the chief
nagistracy Of the Republic. In his
ast illness he had the sympathy
and prayers Of the Nation and the
yrand gathering Of men most distinguish
ID in every department of our public and
private life, who sorrowfully bore him to
he grave, was the solemn tribute of tho
whole people through their representa-
ives to his worth as man and his emf
nence as public servant.